Inside look: What's it like to pole vault?

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/155941.html

Inside look: What's it like to pole vault?
By Jeff Caraska - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C6

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When Rachel Simmons wasn't allowed to pole vault as a middle schooler, she took to long jumping, high jumping and hurdling -- anything it seemed that would provide her a chance to defy gravity.

Her desire to pole vault was realized at Rocklin High School. She won the Sac-Joaquin Section championship as a freshman.

The senior takes us through her thought process as she races down the runway, ready to renew her battle with gravity:



"I count down my steps, but by the time I get to three, I can't really count that fast. My coach tells me not to think, because you can mentally psych yourself out."

Once she's about to plant the pole, Simmons said "your body should know what it's doing. The pole vault is an unnatural thing, but if you've been doing it awhile, you know what it should feel like if you're doing it right. And if you do it right, the pole will lift you and you can't help but go up." -- Jeff Caraska

[Vault Chick]

Yeah, Rachael's pretty cool. I've known her since my freshman year. In fact, we just competed against each other this last weekend at Woody Wilson, and I will see her again this Friday at the West Valley/Chico Invitational!

[RES]

Becca I'm glad that you only got the text, the picture of me is soo bad, my plant is dreadful and I'm sticking out my tounge.It's really attrative.

[Vault Chick]

Hey Rachael!!!

What's up??? Can't wait to see ya this weekend in Chico! -Ashley

[rainbowgirl28]

Becca I'm glad that you only got the text, the picture of me is soo bad, my plant is dreadful and I'm sticking out my tounge.It's really attrative.

Haha I've seen worse